Agonist Clenbuterol Research Articles

β-adrenergic enhancement of brain kynurenic acid production mediated via cAMP-related protein kinase A signaling

The central levels of endogenous tryptophan metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA), an antagonist of N-methyl- d-aspartate (NMDA) and α7-nicotinic receptors, affect glutamatergic and dopaminergic neurotransmission. Here, we demonstrate that selective agonists of β 1-receptors (xamoterol and denopamine), β 2-receptors (formoterol and albuterol), α- and β-receptors (epinephrine), 8pCPT-cAMP and 8-Br-cAMP (analogues of cAMP) increase the production of KYNA in rat brain cortical slices and in mixed glial cultures. Neither betaxolol, β 1-adrenergic antagonist, nor timolol, a non-selective β 1,2-adrenergic antagonist has influenced synthesis of KYNA in both paradigms. In contrast, KT5720, a selective inhibitor of protein kinase A (PKA), strongly reduced KYNA formation in cortical slices (2–10 µM) and in glial cultures (100 nM). β-adrenergic antagonists and KT5720 prevented the β-adrenoceptor agonists-induced increases of KYNA synthesis. In vivo, β-adrenergic agonist clenbuterol (0.1–1.0 mg/kg) increased the cortical endogenous level of KYNA; the effect was blocked with propranolol (10 mg/kg). β-adrenoceptors agonists, cAMP analogues and KT5720 did not affect directly the activity of KAT I or KAT II measured in partially purified cortical homogenate. In contrast, the exposure of intact cultured glial cells to pCPT-cAMP, 8-Br-cAMP and formoterol has lead to an enhanced action of KATs. These findings demonstrate that β-adrenoceptor-mediated enhancement of KYNA production is a cAMP- and PKA-dependent event. PKA activity appears to be an essential signal affecting KYNA formation. Described here novel mechanism regulating KYNA availability may be of a potential importance, considering that various stimuli, among them clinically used drugs, activate cAMP/PKA pathway, and thus could counteract the central deficits of KYNA.

In Vivo Mobilization of Leukemic Human Precursor-B-ALL Cells by the CXCR4-Antagonist AMD3100 Is Via Secretion of SDF-1 and Synergistically by Catecholamine Action.

Introduction Mobilization of leukemic cells from the bone marrow (BM) to the circulation in order to better kill them with DNA damaging chemotherapy agents is emerging as a new experimental therapeutic intervention, however the mechanism is not entirely clear. Currently CXCR4-antagonists such as the mobilizing agent AMD3100 (AMD) are becoming available for clinical usage. The aim of this study is to explore mechanisms of human precursor-B-ALL cell mobilization from the BM in a functional, pre-clinical immune deficient mouse model.Methodology Immunodeficient mice were stably engrafted with the childhood pre-B-ALL leukemic cell line G2 (4 weeks after transplantation in NOD/SCID mice) and with primary childhood precursor-B-ALL cells from 4 patients (4-8 weeks after transplantation in NOD/SCID IL2R {gamma} null and NOD/SCID/B2m(null) mice). Two of the patients had a translocation (t4;11) (pro-B-ALL). All human leukemias were engrafted without prior irradiation of the mice. This approach prevents possible irradiation damage to the host microenvironment and thereby leads to a model which better mimics growth of human leukemias. To accommodate for differences in the level of leukemic BM engraftment (FACS analysis for huCD45+ cells), we assessed the leukemia mobilization level by calculating a leukemia mobilization index: WBC x % leukemic cells in the PB / % leukemic cells in the BM.Results and Discussion Treatment with AMD leads to a significant mobilization of all transplanted leukemias with a mobilization level of between 3 – 8 times above baseline. As we recently showed for mobilization of normal murine progenitors, AMD induces a strong release of SDF-1 from the BM (Dar et al. ASH 2006). To examine if this is also instrumental for the leukemia mobilization process, we inhibited SDF-1 action by injection of neutralizing CXCR4 antibodies (clone 12G5) in leukemic chimeras. This led to an abrogation of AMD-induced leukemia mobilization. Pointing towards the same mechanism, 3 daily injections of fucoidan, a known SDF-1 releasing agent, also led to significant leukemia mobilization in G2 and precursor-B-ALL chimeras. Recently we demonstrated that human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells express receptors for catecholamines, such as dopamine and epinephrine (Epi) and that treatment with catecholamines leads to mobilization of murine progenitor cells (Spiegel et al. Nat. Immunol. 2007). Accordingly, we examined the effect of neurotransmitters. First, we found that the G2 cell line and all 4 examined precursor-BALL samples express the catecholamine receptors D3, D5 and beta-2. The expression is dynamic, as it was, in part, increased after engraftment of immunodeficient mice. Treatment of chimeras with high doses of Epi alone led to leukemia mobilization in vivo similar to AMD-induced mobilization. In combination with AMD, lower doses of norepinephrine increased leukemia obilization synergistically and significantly, resulting in dramatic leukemia mobilization up to 20 times above baseline. Unexpectedly and in contrast to normal cells, treatment of chimeras with the beta-2 agonist clenbuterol was accompanied by inhibition of AMD-induced mobilization of leukemic cells. These observations suggest similarities and differences in the activation of catecholamine receptors in the mobilization process of normal and leukemic cells.Conclusions Our results show that SDF-1 has a crucial role in AMD-induced leukemic cell mobilization. Human leukemias can be mobilized by catecholamine action synergistically with AMD in immunodeficient mice. This approach could be potentially used for future mobilization protocols of leukemia in combination with established chemotherapy to improve eradication of minimal residual disease of leukemia.

Growth promotant abuse in meat-producing animals: Liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry for determination of β2-adrenergic agonist clenbuterol in pig urine

Clenbuterol, a β 2-adrenergic agonist, has been found to be applied illegally in meat-producing animals to modulate growth. For residue surveillance of clenbuterol in meat-producing animals and meat, it is essential to choose appropriate matrices as well as the high degree of sensitivity derived from spectrometric analysis of suspect tissues and body fluids. The aim of the study was to evaluate the suitability of urine as a matrix for clenbuterol residue determination throughout and after its subchronic repeated administration at a growth-promoting dose to food-producing pigs, using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-MS/MS) as a quantification and confirmation method. Mass spectral acquisition was done in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode to provide a high degree of sensitivity, archieving a limit of detection and quantification at 0.11 and 0.30 μ g/kg, respectively. The mean recovery of the analyte fortified at 0.5 μ g/kg was 88.0% with acceptable inter- and intra-day relative standard deviations in a range of 7.2-9.3%. Clenbuterol was identified by two transitions (m/z 277>259 and m/z 277>203), and quantification was performed at the most intensive transition (m/z 277>203). Study results showed the mean clenbuterol concentrations in pig urine samples to oscillate widely during the 28-day treatment period. Maximal clenbuterol concentrations were achieved in urine on day 21 (96.40p ; 45.13 ng/mL) and then decreased to 45.78p ; 8.47 ng/mL on the last day of dosing period. After a 7-day withdrawal period, clenbuterol concentration in urine (0.45p ; 0.05 ng/mL) decreased below 0.5 ppb as currently accepted maximal residue level (MRL) for clenbuterol in liver as a regulated matrix for control clenbuterol abuse. Although the concentration of clenbuterol in pig urine several times exceeded MRL throughout the treatment period, suggesting acceptability of this matrix for determination of clenbuterol residues during fattening period, the significant depletion recorded during the first seven days of withdrawal showed the urine to be of limited value as a matrix in the control of clenbuterol abuse.

Intra-amygdala injections of CREB antisense impair inhibitory avoidance memory: role of norepinephrine and acetylcholine.

Infusions of CREB antisense into the amygdala prior to training impair memory for aversive tasks, suggesting that the antisense may interfere with CRE-mediated gene transcription and protein synthesis important for the formation of new memories within the amygdala. However, the amygdala also appears to modulate memory formation in distributed brain sites, through mechanisms that include the release of norepinephrine and acetylcholine within the amygdala. Thus, CREB antisense injections may affect memory by interfering with mechanisms of modulation, rather than storage, of memory. In the present experiment, rats received bilateral intra-amygdala infusions of CREB antisense (2 nmol/1 microL) 6 h prior to inhibitory avoidance training. In vivo microdialysis samples were collected from the right amygdala before, during, and following training. CREB antisense produced amnesia tested at 48 h after training. In addition, CREB antisense infusions dampened the training-related release of norepinephrine, and to a lesser extent of acetylcholine, in the amygdala. Furthermore, intra-amygdala infusions of the beta-adrenergic receptor agonist clenbuterol administered immediately after training attenuated memory impairments induced by intra-amygdala injections of CREB antisense. These findings suggest that intra-amygdala treatment with CREB antisense may affect processes involved in modulation of memory in part through interference with norepinephrine and acetylcholine neurotransmission in the amygdala.

Effect of β2-adrenergic agonist clenbuterol on ischemia/reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts and cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide

To observe the effect of beta2-adrenergic agonist clenbuterol on ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in isolated rat hearts and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Isolated rat hearts were subjected to 30 min global ischemia and 60 min reperfusion on a Langendorff apparatus. Cardiac function was evaluated by heart rate, left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP), left ventricular systolic pressure, maximal rise rate of left ventricular pressure [+dp/dt(max)], and the coronary effluent (CF). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the coronary effluent, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Ca2+-ATPase activity in the cardiac tissue were measured using commercial kits. The apoptotic cardiomyocyte was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated digoxigenin-dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA levels and the expression of caspase-3 were detected by RT-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. Cultured newborn rat cardiomyocytes were preincubated with clenbuterol, and oxidative stress injury was induced by H2O2. Cell viability and cardiomyocyte apoptosis were evaluated by flow cytometry (FCM). In the isolated rat hearts after I/R injury, clenbuterol significantly improved diastolic function (LVEDP and CF) and Ca2+-ATPase activity. Treatment with clenbuterol increased SOD activity and decreased the MDA level and LDH release compared with the I/R group (P<0.05). Moreover, clenbuterol decreased apoptosis, which was associated with a reduction in TUNEL-positive cells, Bax/Bcl-2 mRNA, and caspase-3 expression. In H2O2-induced cardiomyocyte injury, clenbuterol increased cell viability and attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Pretreatment with ICI118551 (selective beta2-adrenergic antagonist) decreased these effects compared with the clenbuterol-treated group (P<0.05). Clenbuterol ameliorated ventricular diastolic function by enhancing Ca2+-ATPase activity and reduced oxidative stress and cardiac myocyte apoptosis in an experimental rat model of myocardium I/R. It decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis induced by H2O2 in vitro. It plays a key role in the cardiac protection against myocardium I/R injury.

Isoform-Specific Increases in Murine Skeletal Muscle Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) mRNA in Response to β2-Adrenergic Receptor Activation and Exercise

Adrenergic receptor (AR) activation increases expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha) mRNA, which may promote mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscles. An AR-activated increase in PGC-1alpha mRNA was observed in exercise. PGC-1alpha mRNA is considered a single transcript (PGC-1alpha-a); however, a transcript search of PGC-1alpha in expressed sequence tag libraries revealed that two novel isoforms of PGC-1alpha mRNA, named PGC-1alpha-b and PGC-1alpha-c, were expressed in mice tissues. Compared with PGC-1alpha-a mRNA (a previously described isoform), PGC-1alpha-b or PGC-1alpha-c mRNA was transcribed by a different exon 1 of the PGC-1alpha gene and produced slightly smaller-sized proteins. PGC-1alpha-b or PGC-1alpha-c protein was functional; both isoforms possessed transcriptional activity and could coactivate PPARs, similar to those in PGC-1alpha-a in vitro. Transgenic mice overexpressing PGC-1alpha-b or PGC-1alpha-c in skeletal muscles showed increased gene expression related to mitochondrial biogenesis and fatty acid oxidation. In C57BL/6J mice, injection of the beta2-AR agonist clenbuterol increased PGC-1alpha-b and PGC-1alpha-c mRNA expression more than 350-fold, but not PGC-1alpha-a, in skeletal muscle. A single bout of exercise also increased PGC-1alpha-b and PGC-1alpha-c mRNAs, but not PGC-1alpha-a, in skeletal muscles. The increases in skeletal muscles in response to exercise were inhibited by pretreatment with the beta2-AR-specific inhibitor ICI 118,551. However, in liver, fasting increased PGC-1alpha-a mRNA, but not PGC-1alpha-b and PGC-1alpha-c mRNAs. These data indicate that AR activation is a major mechanism of an increase in PGC-1alpha expression in skeletal muscles, and the increase in PGC-1alpha mRNAs was isoform specific.

Clenbuterol marketed as dietary supplement

In several studies it has been demonstrated that products containing pharmaceutically active ingredients are marketed as dietary supplements. Most of these products contain anabolic steroids. Recently products for weight loss containing active drugs have also appeared on the market. In the present case a healthy male ordered the product 'Anabolic burner' via the Internet. The product was received from a German dispatcher and paid by bank transfer to a German bank account. After ingesting one tablet he reported tremor and delivered a urine sample. This urine was found to contain 2 ng/mL of clenbuterol utilizing LC-MS/MS analysis. Additionally the product itself was analyzed with GC-MS for clenbuterol, yielding a content of about 30 microg per tablet. The beta-2 agonist clenbuterol is only legally available on prescription and is classified as prohibited doping substance in sports. The present case for the first time confirms the presence of clenbuterol in a dietary supplement. It again demonstrates the common problem with products on the supplement market, where non-licensed pharmaceuticals and doping substances are easily available. The ingestion of these products containing additions of therapeutic drugs can lead to side effects and/or interactions with conventional medicines.

Effect of repeated administration of clenbuterol on the regulation of beta-adrenoceptors in the central nervous system of the rat.

The effect of the centrally acting beta-adrenoceptor agonist clenbuterol on beta-adrenergic responsiveness, beta-receptor density and N-protein coupling was studied in the rat cerebral cortex (which contains primarily beta 1-receptors) and cerebellum (containing mostly beta 2-receptors). The objective was to determine whether clenbuterol's effect on these variables was similar to that produced by standard antidepressants. When given to rats repeatedly, clenbuterol caused a decrease in beta-adrenergic responsiveness in slices from either the cerebral cortex or the cerebellum. The decreased beta-responsiveness in the cerebellum was associated with a decrease both in the density of beta-receptors and in receptor/N-protein coupling. In the cortex, only reduced receptor/N-protein coupling was observed by in vitro ligand-binding methods. However, when quantitative autoradiography was employed, clenbuterol treatment was found to reduce the binding of [125I]iodopindolol to beta 2-receptors throughout the brain, whereas binding to beta 1-receptors was not reduced. The down-regulation of beta 2-receptors by clenbuterol is due to its acting centrally as a beta 2-agonist. Although clenbuterol has about an equal affinity for beta 1-receptors and beta 2-receptors, no evidence was found for agonist activity of this drug at beta 1-receptors in the cerebral cortex. The strategies described here should be helpful in investigating important properties of centrally acting beta-agonists that might have potential as antidepressants.

Enantio-selective effects of clenbuterol in cultured neurons and astrocytes, and in a mouse model of cerebral ischemia

Neuroprotective effects of the lipophilic β 2-adrenoceptor agonist clenbuterol have been established in neuronal cultures and in various rodent models of stroke. In previous studies, however, clenbuterol was always applied as a racemate, while it has not been established whether the enantiomers differ in their neuroprotective activities. Here, we demonstrate that R,S-clenbuterol and S(+)-clenbuterol, but not the R(−)-enantiomer protect cultured neurons against glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity and staurosporine-induced apoptosis. Similar to previous findings with clenbuterol racemate, the neuroprotective effect of S(+) -clenbuterol correlated well with morphological changes of astrocytes which transformed into dense stellate cells with dendritic processes indicating β 2-adrenoceptor-mediated activation. Most importantly, the S(+)-enantiomer but not R(−)-clenbuterol reduced ischemic brain damage similar to the effect of the racemate. The selective β 2-adrenoceptor antagonist butoxamine blocked this neuroprotective effect of S(+)-clenbuterol. In addition, S(+)-clenbuterol significantly reduced blood pressure, enhanced blood glucose levels and increased glucocorticoid levels compared to vehicle-or R(−)-clenbuterol-treated controls. These results clearly demonstrate that S(+)-clenbuterol is the eutomer that mediates neuroprotective effects of the β 2-adrenoceptor agonist but also according changes of physiological parameters.

An Increase in Murine Skeletal Muscle Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) mRNA in Response to Exercise Is Mediated by β-Adrenergic Receptor Activation

A single bout of exercise increases expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator (PGC)-1alpha mRNA, which may promote mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle. In brown adipose tissue, cold exposure up-regulates PGC-1alpha expression via adrenergic receptor (AR) activation. Because exercise also activates the sympathetic nervous system, we examined whether exercise-induced increase in PGC-1alpha mRNA expression in skeletal muscle was mediated via AR activation. In C57BL/6J mice, injection of the beta2-AR agonist clenbuterol, but not alpha-, beta1-, or beta3-AR agonists, increased PGC-1alpha mRNA expression more than 30-fold in skeletal muscle. The clenbuterol-induced increase in PGC-1alpha mRNA expression in mice was inhibited by pretreatment with the beta-AR antagonist propranolol. In ex vivo experiments, direct exposure of rat epitrochlearis to beta2-AR agonist, but not alpha-, beta1-, and beta3-AR agonist, led to an increase in levels of PGC-1alpha mRNA. Injection of beta2-AR agonist did not increase PGC-1alpha mRNA expression in beta1-, beta2-, and beta3-AR knockout mice (beta-less mice). PGC-1alpha mRNA in gastrocnemius was increased 3.5-fold in response to running on a treadmill for 45 min. The exercise-induced increase in PGC-1alpha mRNA was inhibited by approximately 70% by propranolol or the beta2-AR-specific inhibitor ICI 118,551. The exercise-induced increase in PGC-1alpha mRNA in beta-less mice was also 36% lower than that in wild-type mice. These data indicate that up-regulation of PGC-1alpha expression in skeletal muscle by exercise is mediated, at least in part, by beta-ARs activation. Among ARs, beta2-AR may mediate an increase in PGC-1alpha by exercise.

The effects of β2-adrenoceptor agonists on conduction velocity, field potentials and automaticity in cardiomyocytes

Chronic β2-adrenoceptor (AR) stimulation has been found effective to improve ventricular function in experimental heart failure (HF). Here we study the effects of the β2-AR agonists clenbuterol, fenoterol and salbutamol on conduction velocity (CV), local field potential (LFP) duration and automaticity of neonatal rat cardiomyocyte cultures. Myocytes were seeded on a multi-electrode array (0.5×106 myocytes/plate) for 48 h. The cultures were field stimulated at 1 Hz. Activation maps were derived from the local activation times and mean CV calculated.

Orchidectomy Increases β-Adrenoceptor Activation-Mediated Neuronal Nitric Oxide and Noradrenaline Release in Rat Mesenteric Artery

Background/Aims: A previous study has demonstrated that endogenous male sex hormones do not alter neuronal nitric oxide (NO) release in rat mesenteric artery. However, the regulatory role of endogenous male sex hormones on noradrenaline (NA) release in rat mesenteric artery is not known. The present study was designed to analyze whether endogenous male sex hormones influence the NA release induced by electrical field stimulation (EFS), as well as the possible modification in NA and neuronal NO release by presynaptic β-adrenoceptor activation. Methods: For this purpose, mesenteric arteries from control and orchidectomized male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. Basal and EFS-induced neuronal NO and NA release, as well as the contractile effect induced by EFS, was measured. Results: Basal and EFS-induced neuronal NO and NA release were similar in arteries from control and orchidectomized rats. The β-adrenoceptor agonist clenbuterol did not modify EFS-induced neuronal NO and NA release in arteries from control rats. In contrast, in arteries from orchidectomized animals, clenbuterol increased both neuronal NO and NA release; this increase was prevented by incubation with the β-adrenoceptor antagonist propranolol. However, the contractile response elicited by EFS was not modified by clenbuterol in either group of rats. Conclusions: These results show that orchidectomy does not alter the EFS-induced NA release. What is more, activation of presynaptic β-adrenoceptors does not modify EFS-induced NA and neuronal NO release in arteries from control rats although it increases the release of both neurotransmitters in arteries from orchidectomized rats. Despite these modifications, the EFS-induced contractile response is preserved in arteries from orchidectomized rats.

Anabolic effects of a non‐myotoxic dose of the β2‐adrenergic receptor agonist clenbuterol on rat plantaris muscle

Previous investigations of the effects of clenbuterol have used suprapharmacological doses that induce myocyte death, alter muscle phenotype, and do not approximate the proposed therapeutic dose for humans. Recently, we reported that smaller doses of clenbuterol induce muscle growth without causing myocyte death. In the present study we used histochemical and proteomic techniques to investigate the molecular effects of this dose. Male Wistar rats (n = 6, per group) were infused with saline or 10 microg/kg/day clenbuterol via subcutaneously implanted osmotic pumps. After 14 days the animals' plantaris muscles were isolated for histochemical and proteomic analyses. Clenbuterol induced significant muscle growth with concomitant protein accretion and preferential hypertrophy of fast oxidative glycolytic fibers. Clenbuterol reduced the optical density of mitochondrial staining in fast fibers by 20% and the glycogen content of the muscle by 30%. Differential analysis of two-dimensional gels showed that heat shock protein 72 and beta-enolase increased, whereas aldolase A, phosphogylcerate mutase, and adenylate kinase decreased. Only heat shock protein 72 has previously been investigated in clenbuterol-treated muscles. The clenbuterol-induced increase in muscle growth was concomitant with qualitative changes in the muscle's proteome that need to be considered when proposing therapeutic uses for this agent.

Chronic oral administration of beta-adrenoceptor agonist clenbuterol affects myosin heavy chain (MHC) expression in adult mouse heart

The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of chronic administration of the beta-adrenoceptor agonist clenbuterol (2 mg/kg body weight/day for a period of 30 days) on the major contractile protein (myosin) in the left ventricular muscle of the adult mouse heart. Separation of myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms on 7.5 % glycerol SDS-PAGE and subsequent quantification of the gels by laser densitometry showed a 6.5-fold increase in the beta-isoform of MHC in the clenbuterol-treated group. The alpha : beta ratio of these two isoforms in the control group was 98.16+/-0.14 %: 1.83+/-0.14 %, whereas in the treated group it was 88.05+/-1.15 % : 11.95+/-1.15 %. Actomyosin ATPase activity assay demonstrated a significant (20 %) decline in ATPase activity of the tissue in the beta-agonist-treated group. These results suggest that chronic clenbuterol treatment is capable to induced the transformation of MHC isoforms increasing the slow beta-MHC isoform, which may contribute to the altered contractile mechanics of clenbuterol-treated hearts.

Relative myotoxic and haemodynamic effects of the β‐agonists fenoterol and clenbuterol measured in conscious unrestrained rats

The beta(2)-adrenoceptor (beta(2)-AR) agonists clenbuterol and fenoterol have similar beneficial effects in animal models of heart failure. However, large doses of clenbuterol can induce cardiomyocyte death, and it is not known which of these agents has the most favourable therapeutic profile. We have investigated the cardiotoxicity of clenbuterol and fenoterol alongside that of isoprenaline, and compared their haemodynamic effects. Wistar rats (n = 6 per group) were subcutaneously injected with each beta-agonist (0.003-3 mmol kg(-1)) or saline, and cardiomyocyte apoptosis was detected by caspase 3 immunohistochemistry. In a separate experiment, rats (n = 4) were given equivalent doses to those used in the myotoxicity studies, in a randomized cross-over design, and their blood pressure recorded via radiotelemetry. Injection of 0.3 mmol kg(-1) fenoterol or isoprenaline, but not clenbuterol, induced significant cardiomyocyte apoptosis (0.4 +/- 0.05%; P < 0.05). At 3 mmol kg(-1), all agonists induced apoptosis (fenoterol, 1.1 +/- 0.1%; isoprenaline, 0.9 +/- 0.8%; and clenbuterol, 0.4 +/- 0.07%; P < 0.05). beta(1)-Adrenoceptor antagonism (10 mg kg(-1) bisoprolol) prevented 92% (P < 0.05) of apoptosis induced by all three agonists, but clenbuterol-induced apoptosis could also be prevented by 96% (P < 0.05) by beta(2)-AR antagonism (10 mg kg(-1) ICI 118 551). Clenbuterol decreased diastolic (1.3- to 1.6-fold; P < 0.05) and systolic blood pressure (1.3-fold; P < 0.05), and doses > 0.3 mmol kg(-1) increased heart rate (1.4-fold; P < 0.05). Fenoterol increased heart rate (1.2- to 1.4-fold; P < 0.05), and doses > 0.3 mmol kg(-1) decreased diastolic blood pressure (1.3-fold; P < 0.05). In conclusion, the cardiotoxicity of fenoterol was similar to isoprenaline and greater than clenbuterol, and fenoterol had less desirable haemodynamic effects.

Effect of anabolic agents on calpastatin promoters in porcine skeletal muscle and their responsiveness to cyclic adenosine monophosphate-and calcium-related stimuli1

The calpain proteinases and their specific inhibitor calpastatin have been proposed to influence both the rates of myofibrillar protein turnover in vivo and meat tenderization postmortem. Elevated calpastatin concentrations in particular are associated with certain forms of hypertrophic growth and meat toughness. In the 5'region of the porcine calpastatin gene, there are 3 calpastatin promoters upstream of exons 1xa, 1xb, and 1u, respectively, each of which contain transcription factor-binding motifs, suggesting sensitivity to a variety of growth-promoting stimuli. This study examined the effect of the beta-adrenergic agonist clenbuterol and porcine ST (pST) treatment on calpastatin promoter usage in porcine LM in vivo using real-time PCR and also the responsiveness of transfected calpastatin promoter sequences to cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and calcium (Ca2+)-related stimuli in reporter gene systems in cell studies. The effect of clenbuterol and pST on potential signaling pathways in vivo was also assessed by monitoring protein phosphatase 2B (calcineurin), NFATc3, calpain 3, IkappaB alpha, and NFkappaB by quantitative immunoblotting. Total calpastatin mRNA was increased by 52% (P < 0.05) after treatment with clenbuterol for 1 d and reduced by 35% (P < 0.01) after pST treatment for 7 d. Whereas clenbuterol had no significant differential effects on individual mRNA transcripts (types 1 to 3) derived from the 3 upstream promoters, pST significantly reduced all of these by 51, 39, and 40% (P < 0.001, 0.05, and 0.05), respectively. Promoter activity was increased in rat L6G8 cells transfected with a construct derived from exon 1u after treatment with dibutyryl cAMP (68%, P < 0.05) or forskolin (43%, P < 0.05), whereas 1xa activity was reduced by both of these agents (47 and 33%, respectively, P < 0.05). Treatment of cells with the calcium ionophore calcimycin reduced the activity of the 1u promoter by 40% (P < 0.01), with no effect on the other promoter constructs. Cyclosporin A had no effect on any promoter construct. The only signaling pathway component to be significantly altered by the in vivo treatments was calcineurin, which was decreased by 24% (P < 0.05) in clenbuterol-treated animals. In conclusion, 2 types of growth promoter in pigs had contrasting effects on calpastatin expression in LM. Transfected calpastatin promoters were differentially sensitive to cAMP- and Ca2+-related stimuli, in agreement with the proposed mode of action of the 2 growth promoters.

Production and Characterization of Single Chain Fv Directed against β2-Agonist Clenbuterol

The single chain Fv (scFv) directed against beta2-agonist clenbuterol (CBL) was produced by using phage display technology. The heavy chain and light chain variable region genes (VH) VL) were amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from CBL specific hybridoma cell lines 5D1 and assembled as a single chain Fv (scFv) fragment with linker peptide (Gly4Ser)3. Then the scFv DNA fragment was cloned into M13 phagemid vector pCANTAB5E and the anti-CBL antibody libraries were constructed. Phages displaying scFv were enriched by panning with CBL-ovalbumin (CBL-OVA) conjugate. After only one round of panning, antigen-positive recombinant phage clones were successfully selected by ELISA. The positive phage was used to infect Escherichia coli HB2151, and the expression of soluble scFv was then induced by IPTG. The scFv showed an improved sensitivity (with IC50 of 0.78 +/- 0.005 ng/mL (n = 4)) when compared with the parent monoclonal antibody (MAb) (with IC50 of 1.34 +/- 0.006 ng/mL (n = 4)) in competitive indirect ELISA (CI-ELISA). Cross-reactivity studies showed that the specificity of scFv was similar to that of MAb. The recombinant scFv prepared in this study could be potentially used instead of conventional antisera or MAb for development of a rapid and affordable immunoassay for the detection of residual CBL in biological matrices.

CAAT/Enhancer-binding Protein δ and cAMP-response Element-binding Protein Mediate Inducible Expression of the Nerve Growth Factor Gene in the Central Nervous System

Nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis in the rat cerebral cortex is induced by the beta2-adrenergic receptor agonist clenbuterol (CLE). Because NGF is a crucial neurotrophic factor for basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, defining the mechanisms that regulate its transcription is important for developing therapeutic strategies to treat pathologies of these neurons. We previously showed that the transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta (C/EBPdelta) contributes to NGF gene regulation. Here we have further defined the function of C/EBPdelta and identified a role for cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in NGF transcription. Inhibition of protein kinase A in C6-2B glioma cells suppressed CLE induction of an NGF promoter-reporter construct, whereas overexpression of protein kinase A increased NGF promoter activity, particularly in combination with C/EBPdelta. A CRE-like site that binds CREB was identified in the proximal NGF promoter, and C/EBPdelta and CREB were found to associate with the NGF promoter in vivo. Deletion of the CRE and/or C/EBP sites reduced CLE responsiveness of the promoter. In addition, ectopic expression of C/EBPdelta in combination with CLE treatment increased endogenous NGF mRNA levels in C6-2B cells. C/EBPdelta null mice showed complete loss of NGF induction in the cerebral cortex following CLE treatment, demonstrating a critical role for C/EBPdelta in regulating beta2-adrenergic receptor-mediated NGF expression in vivo. Thus, our findings demonstrate a critical role for C/EBPdelta in regional expression of NGF in the brain and implicate CREB in CLE-induced NGF gene transcription.

Functional, cellular and molecular changes induced in the rat plantaris muscle by a low, non‐myotoxic dose of the β 2 ‐agonist clenbuterol

Administration of β2-adrenergic receptor agonists, such as clenbuterol, has been proposed as an intervention against muscle wasting. However, large doses (mg.kg−1) of clenbuterol increase muscle growth and induce myocyte death. Here we investigate the effects of the non-myotoxic dose of 10 μg.kg−1of clenbuterol. Infusion of clenbuterol for 2 wk induced significant (P<0.05) protein accretion (17 %) and myofibre hypertrophy (20 %). The net power output of the plantaris, measured in situ using the oscillatory work loop technique, increased 21 % (P<0.05) but the muscle’s resistance to fatigue was significantly (P<0.05) diminished. The myofibre profile and oxidative capacity of the muscles of clenbuterol-treated animals were not altered substantially. However, differential analysis of the sarcoplasmic proteins, separated using 2D gel electrophoresis, revealed 16 protein spots that had significantly (P<0.05) changed. Peptide mass fingerprinting identified 6 of these protein spots, 3 (heat shock 72, β-enolase and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) of which increased and 3 (aldolase A, phosphogylcerate mutase and adenylate kinase) decreased in response to clenbuterol. The likely explanation for the reduction in fatigue resistance was the decrease in adenylate kinase. Thus, any beneficial anabolic effects induced even by small therapeutic doses of clenbuterol need to be reconciled against a reduction in fatigue resistance.

Dose‐dependent separation of the hypertrophic and myotoxic effects of the β2‐adrenergic receptor agonist clenbuterol in rat striated muscles

Muscle growth in response to large doses (milligrams per kilogram) of beta(2)-adrenergic receptor agonists has been reported consistently. However, such doses may also induce myocyte death in the heart and skeletal muscles and hence may not be safe doses for humans. We report the hypertrophic and myotoxic effects of different doses of clenbuterol. Rats were infused with clenbuterol (range, 1 microg to 1 mg.kg(-1)) for 14 days. Muscle protein content, myofiber cross-sectional area, and myocyte death were then investigated. Infusions of >or=10 microg.kg(-1).d(-1) of clenbuterol significantly (P<0.05) increased the protein content of the heart (12%-15%), soleus (12%), plantaris (18%-29%), and tibialis anterior (11%-22%) muscles, with concomitant myofiber hypertrophy. Larger doses (100 microg or 1 mg) induced significant (P<0.05) myocyte death in the soleus (peak 0.2+/-0.1% apoptosis), diaphragm (peak 0.15+/-0.1% apoptosis), and plantaris (peak 0.3+/-0.05% necrosis), and significantly increased the area fraction of collagen in the myocardium. These data show that the low dose of 10 microg.kg(-1).d(-1) can be used in rats to investigate the anabolic effects of clenbuterol in the absence of myocyte death.